A delegation from the Kosovo Judo Federation welcomed FIG President Morinari Watanabe when he arrived in the country ©IJF

A delegation from the Kosovo Judo Federation welcomed the International Gymnastic Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe upon his arrival in the country.

The delegates were led by President Agron Kuka and included six young judokas.

Watanabe is regarded as an important figure in the sporting community where he holds positions outside of gymnastics.

He is an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and is also the chair of the IOC Boxing Taskforce

Last month, the Olympic Committee of Kosovo celebrated its performance in judo at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Distria Krasniqi, who won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, is one of Kosovo's judoka stars ©Getty Images
Distria Krasniqi, who won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, is one of Kosovo's judoka stars ©Getty Images

Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi was named "Female Athlete of the Year" and European champion Akil Gjakova was recognised as "Male Athlete of the Year" during the sixth edition of the 2021 Laureates awards ceremony.

Krasniqi achieved Olympic gold in the women’s 48 kilogram category while Gjakova triumphed in the 73kg class.

Judoka Nora Gjakova was responsible for succeeding in the women’s 57kg to give Kosovo their second gold of Tokyo 2020.